Earlier in the drive, the Falcons blitzed, and Yates tossed a screen pass to Arian Foster, who took it 28 yards for a first down. On the next play, Yates ran a bootleg to his right and threw deep down the middle for Andre Johnson. It was a perfect pass and a great 50-yard catch by Johnson, who made up for his earlier drop.

After two Foster runs netted 1 yard, Yates threw a quick 3-yard touchdown pass over the middle to Dreessen, who did a terrific job of catching the ball in traffic and holding it.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Dec. 4: Texans 17, Falcons 10

Texans linebacker Connor Barwin (98) celebrates after a defensive stop on the final play of the game to preserve the victory.

Dec. 4: Texans 17, Falcons 10

Texans linebacker Connor Barwin (98) celebrates after a defensive stop on the final play of the game to preserve the victory.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Texans safety Troy Nolan (33) and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) celebrate after Joseph broke up a pass in the end zone during the fourth quarter.

Texans safety Troy Nolan (33) and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) celebrate after Joseph broke up a pass in the end zone during the fourth quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (13) passes the ball over Falcons defensive end John Abraham (55) during the first quarter.

Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (13) passes the ball over Falcons defensive end John Abraham (55) during the first quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass during the second.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass during the second.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) is tripped up by Falcons running back Antone Smith (35) on a punt return during the second quarter.

Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) is tripped up by Falcons running back Antone Smith (35) on a punt return during the second quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls a play at the line during the third quarter.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls a play at the line during the third quarter.

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) is helped by back judge Keith Ferguson (61) after suffering a leg injury as Atlanta's Dunta Robinson (23) looks on during the third quarter.

Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) is helped by back judge Keith Ferguson (61) after suffering a leg injury as Atlanta's Dunta Robinson (23) looks on during the third quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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Texans linebacker Connor Barwin (98) grabs Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter.

Texans linebacker Connor Barwin (98) grabs Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates a defensive stop against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter.

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates a defensive stop against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter.

Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (13) pumps his fist as he celebrates with wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) and quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) after video review upheld his touchdown pass during the second quarter. less

Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (13) pumps his fist as he celebrates with wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) and quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) after video review upheld his touchdown pass during the second ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing is shrouded in smoke as he waits to take the field before the game.

Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing is shrouded in smoke as he waits to take the field before the game.